Expecting GOD's Reward

I am a little slow on the recap this week, sorry about that. This week Phil finished off our four weeks on RALE, talking about Expecting God's reward.

I hope everyone remembers the tape measure, it is a great way to think about our life. For those of you who missed out Phil pointed out to us that most people spend their whole life planning and working hard so that they can enjoy approximately 15 years of doing what they want at the end of their life. These people needlessly are putting all their attention into life on this earth. When we think about it in the perspective of this life and eternity, that 15 years looks pretty silly. Don't get me wrong I am not saying don't plan for retirement. What I am saying is that we are given a very short period of time on this earth, and the best way to use our time here is to use it doing things that will impact eternity after this life. Sometimes this may seem strange to people who do not think that way. 1 Corinthians 1:18 says, "the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." Most people will not think the same as you when your perspective is closer to God's, but it is a powerful way to live.

In council ring we read the account of Moses in Hebrews 11. It says "by faith" Moses gave of the treasures of Egypt. He was pretty much the richest most powerful person in Egypt next to Pharoah but he chose to give that up and to be mistreated and identified with his people as a slave. Verse 25 says "He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward." Moses knew that God had a bigger plan and that by following it he could have an impact on eternity. By thinking that way all the riches and power of being Pharoah's grandson were meaningless. What a way to think! The Egyptians must have mocked him, even the Israelites didn't accept him right away, but he chose to persevere.

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

And the memory verse for this week.

Matthew 6:20-21 But store up treasures for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.

See you on Tuesday. We are starting our bible study theme for this year, come on out and find out what it is.